Boost for campaigners hoping for name change for Birmingham International railway station

Network Rail chairman Rick Haythornthwaite promised to work to deliver the name change, and hinted that a deal could be formalised when the bidding process to allocate a new franchise for the West Coast Main Line is concluded next year.

CAMPAIGNERS battling to change the name of Birmingham International railway station to Birmingham Airport have been given fresh hope of victory.

Network Rail chairman Rick Haythornthwaite promised to work to deliver the name change, and hinted that a deal could be formalised when the bidding process to allocate a new franchise for the West Coast Main Line is concluded next year.

Mr Haythornthwaite said he understood the frustrations of airport officials, MP and business and council leaders who want the station to be re-named to make the destination clearer to passengers.

Previous attempts to force Network Rail’s hand ended in failure after the organisation asked for £500,000 to change timetables and station signs.

The Network Rail chairman added: “You must have the support of train operating companies to do this, so let’s see if we can get something placed into the franchise specification. Let’s work out how we can change the name.”

John Morris, Head of Industry and Government Affairs at Birmingham Airport, said two of the four prospective franchise bidders had given an undertaking that they would work to have the station re-named.

Mr Morris added: “Most people understand the rationale behind wanting to change the name of the station to make it clearer for train customers. Two of the franchise bidders accept this and we hope that the other two will follow suit.”

Birmingham International railway station opened in 1976 and the name was meant to refer to the airport, which was then called Birmingham International Airport. The station also serves the National Exhibition Centre.